It’s #GaGives Day on #GivingTuesday! Help us shine a light on energy conservation

Help the Springer Shine a Light on Energy Conservation

Traditionally, live theatre has not been synonymous with energy conservation. From the stage lights, to the house lights, to the heating and air, every part of the theatrical experience uses LOTS of power and many theatres across the country have simply accepted that and budgeted towards this huge expense.

The Springer is not like most theatres. Its roots in the community stretch deep and the Columbus family has always worked towards making it the BEST producing theatre in the country while also preserving the National Historic Landmark. That is why the Springer has a plan for energy conservation.

The Springer Opera House is well known for its gorgeous public spaces complete with original chandeliers and tulip lights. In Emily Woodruff Hall (Mainstage Theatre) alone, we have 604 tulip lights as well as 92 globe lights, including our historic chandelier. The glowing veranda is a memorable sight as people drive down 10th Street to Uptown.

In recent years, energy costs have skyrocketed. This year, the Springer is launching a bold “Clean and Green” energy conservation project. The goal is to cut energy costs through the conversion of our public lighting from incandescent bulbs to LED lighting. Currently, for every performance or public event, turning on the house lights in our main theatre uses 5,608 watts every hour. If we swapped these lights to LED lights they would only use around 500 watts an hour.

For every light that we can convert to LED, we cut our energy consumption for that fixture by 90 percent. Over time this savings will be substantial. The money saved can be used for much needed repairs and maintenance throughout the building so we can keep this historical treasure producing fantastic theatre for generations to come.

Phase One (COMPLETED! Thanks to those who donated to GA GIVES DAY in 2015 & 2016!) – Emily Woodruff Hall: For only $5,000 we could convert the house lights of Emily Woodruff Hall (Mainstage Theatre) to LED lights.Phase Two – Grand Lobby, Saloon and Veranda: For another $10,000 we could convert these spaces to LED lights.Phase Three – Entire Building: A total of $30,000 will convert the whole building to LED!